Abstract
Primary pyomyositis is increasing in incidence in the western world. Although a commonly encountered condition in the tropics it was not described in the USA until 1971 and the UK until 1998. The reason for the increasing incidence is not understood.
Typically pyomyositis affects the muscles around the hip and may present in a variety of ways to orthopaedic or general surgeons – occasionally leading to unnecessary operative intervention. We sought to identify the experience gained, of this condition, within a UK paediatric tertiary referral unit.
A retrospective review of cases of pyomyositis, from our institution, since 1998 was undertaken to identify demographics, presentation, diagnosis and management. Thirteen cases of pyomyositis were identified. Obturator internus was most commonly affected (n = 7). Trauma was implicated in three cases and group A staphylococcus was cultured in nine cases. Male:Female ratio ~ 3: 2. Initial working diagnosis at presentation was septic joint in eight cases, appendicitis in three cases and soft tissue abscess in two cases. Ten cases settled with antibiotics alone. One diagnostic retroperitoneal exploration was performed which may have been avoided with greater preoperative awareness of this condition. On reflection, all cases were identified by CT or MRI.
To our knowledge, this is the first UK series of pyomyositis, reflecting its increasing incidence in the western world. Its presentation is similar to other common paediatric surgical emergencies, yet its management is very different – often not requiring surgery. A greater awareness of this emerging condition is therefore essential to both general and orthopaedic surgeons in order to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical intervention.
Correspondence should be addressed to Editorial Secretary Mr ML Costa or Assistant Editorial Secretary Mr B.J. Ollivere at BOA, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE, England; Email: mattcosta@hotmail.com or ben@ollivere.co.uk
